Carrie Underwood, the beautiful pride of Checotah, Okla., and one of the most successful American Idol contestants in history, hits the age of 29 today. Her four studio albums have sold more than 15 million copies in the U.S., already placing Underwood among country’s all-time greats before the age of 30. The natural beauty is the first-ever female artist to win back-to-back Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards for Entertainer of the Year (2009-2010). Carrie is married to NHL player Mike Fisher. One lucky guy. Happy birthday, Carrie! Also celebrating birthdays on this lovely 10th of March: Olivia Wilde (28), Robin Thicke (35), Jon Hamm (41), Timbaland (41), Sharon Stone (54), and Chuck Norris (72).
‘It’s gonna be important for just hip-hop culture and pop culture,’ Minaj tells MTV News. By Rob Markman Nicki Minaj Photo: MTV News Playtime is over and on her latest single, “Roman Reloaded,” Nicki Minaj returned to the rapid-fire rhyming that first got her noticed on hip-hop’s mixtape circuit. The Rico Beats-produced banger features pounding drums, well-timed gunshot effects and plenty of tough talk from Nicki and her Young Money boss Lil Wayne . It’s a far cry from last year’s “Super Bass” and the Harajuku Barbie’s RedOne-produced pop-affair “Starships.” “That’s just a preview of what’s to come on the album. I know what people need right now,” Nicki told MTV News in her dressing room at the Amway Center after her NBA All-Star Game performance on Sunday. Anticipation is building for Nick’s sophomore LP, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, and with a little more than a month left before it is released, many are still unsure which direction the Young Money star will take. Will the album sound more like the title track or “Starships”? Of course, there is always a middle ground. “April 3 is gonna be a doozy. It’s gonna be crazy,” Nicki said of her album release date. “It’s gonna be important for just hip-hop culture and pop culture. It’s gonna be very big.” On Thursday (March 1), Nicki unveiled her Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album cover via Twitter . The colorful album art shows the reigning rap queen with blond hair and a mix of pink, purple and green paint covering her face. What are you expecting from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded ? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Nicki Minaj
Shannon MaGrane and Phillip Phillips are in, while nine singers get the ax. By Adam Graham Shannon MaGrane on “American Idol” Photo: Fox Heejun’s in. So are Phillip Phillips, Skylar Laine and Shannon MaGrane. Adam Brock? Not so fast … “American Idol” revealed its top 13 finalists on Wednesday (March 1), swiftly dismissing half its field after this week’s live performance episodes. The cuts were harsh, as Ryan Seacrest delivered the news in typical no-nonsense fashion, crushing the dreams of some contestants while making others’ come true. A reported 33 million votes were cast, down from the 40 million made at this point in the competition last year. Phillip Phillips was the first one through to the voter-approved top 10 and got a few minutes to soak in the moment by himself before he was joined by Jessica Sanchez, whose purported vocal issues didn’t affect her performance on Wednesday one bit, and tiny Hollie Cavanagh, who “slayed the biggest dragon” when she sang Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection” on Wednesday. Joshua Ledet followed, and next up was Heejun Han, whose dry comic presence on the show was criticized sharply by “Idol” mentor Jimmy Iovine. “This isn’t ‘American Comedian,’ this is ‘American Idol,’ ” Iovine said in a taped reaction to Han’s performance. Han responded by pretending to not know who Iovine is. Shots fired! Shannon MaGrane — who was crying before she was even told her fate — was passed through, as was country spitfire Skylar Laine, who arguably turned in the week’s best performance with her spirited take on Faces’ “Stay With Me,” which played like “Reba mixed with Kelly Clarkson,” according to Randy Jackson. Elise Testone, one of two singers to take on Adele’s “One and Only” on Wednesday, made the top 10, as did Colton Dixon, who took his performance of Paramore’s “Decode” to the top of his piano on Tuesday. Gentle giant Jermaine Jones — who, in a surprise move, was brought back on Tuesday after being eliminated earlier in the competition — rounded out the top 10. Six singers then vied for three judge-selected Wild Card slots, with Erika Van Pelt’s version of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory,” Jeremy Rosado’s take on Carrie Underwood’s “I Know You Won’t” and DeAndre Brackensick’s “Georgia on My Mind” earning them spots in the top 13. Jen Hirsh, Reed Grimm and Brielle Von Hugel competed for Wild Card positions but narrowly missed advancing to the next round. Meanwhile, nine contestants were dismissed without a chance to sing for their lives. So it’s so long, Chase Likens; see ya, Chelsea Sorrell; bye-bye, Baylie Brown; sayonara, Eben Franckewitz; hasta la vista, Haley Johnsen; peace out, Adam Brock; tootles, Aaron Marcellus; arrivederci, Hallie Day; and later, Creighton Fraker. The top 13 contestants perform live during Wednesday’s two-hour episode, and one will be kicked off on Thursday’s one-hour results show. What do you think of this year’s top 13? Who got cut that should have made it? Let us know in the comments!
Reis Kloeckner, Ethan Jones and Rachelle Lamb also fly through to Hollywood. By Adam Graham Steven Tyler on “American Idol” Photo: FOX In popular music, St. Louis might be known as the home of Chuck Berry or Nelly, but in the world of “American Idol,” it’s the city that hosted Carrie Underwood’s audition. “Idol” returned to the Gateway to the West on Thursday (February 2), hoping to find the show’s next megastar. And they got off on the right foot with contestant Johnny Keyser, 22, from Pompano Beach, Florida, who blew the judges away with his rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” “Should we just vote now?” Steven Tyler asked only a few bars into the song. Keyser was quickly sped through to Hollywood and set a good tone for St. Louis. As did Lauren Gray, who works at her family’s one-stop wedding shop and sings in a wedding band with her father. Gray’s version of Adele’s “One and Only” left Jennifer Lopez’s mouth agape and had Randy Jackson calling her “fearless.” Lopez called her “one of the best female voices we’ve heard” and the three of them sent her on her way to Hollywood; later, when summing up the St. Louis auditions, Lopez said, “I have two words for today: Lauren Gray.” In all, 46 contestants were passed through to the Hollywood round. Among them was 20-year-old Reis Kloeckner, whose version of “Lean on Me” brought a tear to Tyler’s eye. “That was so beautiful. You made me cry. That’s how good that was just now,” Tyler said. Lopez and Jackson agreed and sent the pizza maker — whose name is pronounced “Reese” — through to the next round. Next up was 22-year-old Ethan Jones of Pontoon Beach, Illinois, a singer in a country band who belted out Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” and bled through his audition, due to a cut on his forehead he accidentally opened up while in the waiting room. (Seriously, no one had a Band-Aid?) Jones earned three yes votes from the judges and hopefully stopped bleeding somewhere on the way to Hollywood. Rachelle Lamb, meanwhile, joined Portland auditioner Britnee Kellogg by singing a song directed toward an ex who did her wrong. The 26-year-old construction worker sang Faith Hill’s “Dearly Beloved” (which she referred to as “Find Somebody New”) and earned a passing grade from the judges; maybe she and Kellogg can team up come Hollywood. With the audition phase now over — in voice-over, Ryan Seacrest called them “the most successful road auditions we’ve ever had” — the dreaded/ feared/ beloved Hollywood Week kicks off next week. What did you think of Thursday’s “Idol”? Were these “the most successful road auditions ever”? Let us know in the comments! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
The 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be handed out live in Las Vegas on April 1, in a ceremony hosted by Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton. And who is up for these prestigious trophies? Good question! The nominees were announced today… Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Taylor Swift Male Vocalist of the Year Jason Aldean Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Chris Young Female Vocalist of the Year Sara Evans Miranda Lambert Martina McBride Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood Vocal Duo of the Year Love and Theft Montgomery Gentry Steel Magnolia Sugarland Thompson Square Vocal Group of the Year The Band Perry Eli Young Band Lady Antebellum Rascal Flatts Zac Brown Band Album of the Year Eric Church, Chief Miranda Lambert, Four the Record Kenny Chesney, Hemingway’s Whiskey Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party Lady Antebellum, Own the Night Single Record of the Year Eli Young Band, “Crazy Girl” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup” Chris Young, “Tomorrow” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila” Song of the Year Eli Young Band, “Crazy Girl” Dierks Bentley, “Home” Lady Antebellum, “Just a Kiss” Vince Gill, “Threaten Me With Heaven” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila” Songwriter of the Year Rhett Akins Dallas Davidson Ben Hayslip Luke Laird David Lee Murphy Video of the Year “Homeboy,” Eric Church “Just a Kiss,” Lady Antebellum “Mean,” Taylor Swift “Red Solo Cup,” Toby Keith “Tattoos on This Town,” Jason Aldean Vocal Event of the Year Aaron Lewis featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels, “Country Boy” Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, “Old Alabama” Brad Paisley Duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me” Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
With season 11 of American Idol underway, we have exciting news from the most successful show champion in history: Carrie Underwood will soon release a new album and is preparing fans for that event via the following video tease. It hypes the release of “Good Girl,” the first single off the CD, which will be available on February 23. “I’m so excited – I love this song,” Carrie says below. “I think it’s going to blow you guys away and… I cannot wait for you to hear it!” Carrie Underwood Teases New Album
Haley Smith, Angie Zeiderman and Jairon Jackson also stand out during Aspen, Colorado, auditions. By Adam Graham Jennifer Lopez on “American Idol” Photo: FOX The change in direction in this year’s “American Idol” — focusing on actual contestants rather than the humiliating auditions that result in YouTube infamy — has, thus far, deprived viewers of any great-bad moments. That changed Wednesday (January 25) during the “Idol” auditions from Aspen, Colorado, when viewers were introduced to “professional air guitarist” Magic Cyclops, who showed up in front of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson in an American-flag T-shirt, a red-white-and-blue bandana and a faux-British accent he said he picked up in Davenport, Iowa, from watching the BBC. The long-haired, facial-hair-sporting Cyclops refused to give his age — “it’s not polite to ask a lady her age,” he told Jackson — and claimed to be the proud owner of 11,000 air guitars. “I know there’s a guy in Belgium that has, I think, five more than me,” he said. When it came time to sing, Cyclops offered the judges their choice between Neil Diamond’s “Cracklin’ Rosie” and Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and ended up singing them both in a kind of metalhead growl. Jackson was already on his way out of the room when Cyclops hit his grand finale — a burst of confetti shooting out of a cannon he had tucked into the back of his pants — but by that time, season 11 had finally given us someone to include alongside William Hung, Renaldo Lapuz and others in the “Idol” Bad Audition Hall of Fame. Cyclops aside, Aspen had a solid crop of talent to offer, with 31 singers earning Golden Tickets to Hollywood. Perhaps the most unique contestant was 25-year-old Angie Zeiderman of Delray Beach, Florida, a would-be Lady Gaga in a floral-print minidress, pearls and a purple hairdo who rolled around the audition stage while performing “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” from “The Producers.” She followed it with a measured take on Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou,” leading Jackson to tell her, “You’re in your own little world.” Lopez complimented her strong voice and her tone, while Tyler told her she had a “great little voice.” Zeiderman herself told the cameras, “It is time for a vintage glitter queen on ‘American Idol,’ ” and it seems as though she’s right, as she sailed through to the next round of auditions. Viewers were also told the story of Shelby Tweten, 17, of North Mankato, Minnesota, who was diagnosed bipolar last year but who said “American Idol” keeps her balanced and gives her a reason to stay on her medication. Her version of Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” brought a tear to Lopez’s eye and inspired Jackson to give her a “big, huge yes!” to Hollywood. Haley Smith, meanwhile, doesn’t have just one job she has to leave to head to Hollywood, but three. The hardworking 18-year-old from Orem, Utah, brought a little flower power to Wednesday’s show, as her throwback hippie vibe gave Steven Tyler flashbacks. “I love your voice so much. You’re right out of my era, and I’m honored to be here listening to your voice,” he told the Janis Joplin-like Smith, following her earthy version of Rufus and Chaka Kahn’s “Tell Me Something Good.” Then there was 19-year-old Jairon Jackson of Denver, Colorado, whose original song “So Hard” inspired Lopez to exclaim, “That kid is a real artist!” and also provided enough of a tie-in for producers to play will.i.am.’s Lopez-assisted “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever).” Cross-promotion is key, kids. Other singers ushered through to Hollywood on Wednesday’s episode included elementary school teacher Jenni Schick, 24, of Sterling, Virginia, who managed to steal a kiss on the lips from Tyler before leaving the judge’s room; Curtis Gray, 28, of Spring Hill, Florida, who was called a “major talent” after his version of Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”; Scotty McCreery sound-alike Richie Law, 19, of Centennial, Colorado; Devan Jones, 26, of Aurora, Colorado, a hotel clerk who moved the judges with his version of the Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”; and 25-year-old Mathenee Reco of Centennial, Colorado, a dance instructor who gave an animated version of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” On Thursday, “Idol” is off to Galveston, Texas, to find out if everything really is bigger in Texas. What did you think of Magic Cyclops and the rest of Wednesday’s “Idol” contestants? Let us know in the comments! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
2012 is primed to be yet another huge year for Carrie Underwood. After picking up three awards at the ACAs and showing the world that she could go jazzy as well as she goes country, the Season 4 American Idol champ will release a new single called “Good Girl” on February 23. The track was … More » Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Idolator Discovery Date : 25/01/2012 16:06 Number of articles : 2
We also check in with Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Constantine Maroulis and more ‘Idol’ alumni before season 11 kicks off. By Jim Cantiello Katharine McPhee Photo: Getty Images “American Idol” kicks off its 11th season Wednesday night with its first of eight audition episodes. But before we’re inundated with a new batch of contestants (many of whom we’ll forget about by June), let’s play catch-up with some noteworthy alums. Sure, our Kellys and Carries have remained household names throughout the years, but others — like Katharine McPhee and Leah LaBelle — are poised to have their biggest post-“Idol” years yet. Let’s check in with standouts from seasons one through five: Season One The One You Know : Kelly Clarkson’s fifth studio album, Stronger, is selling just fine, even if recent “Ron Paul sales bump” rumors were proven to be a bunch of hooey. The original Idol just kicked off her latest tour last week. On the radio, you’ll hear “Mr. Know It All” approximately 17 times an hour, until it’s replaced by new single “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” The Goofy One : Justin Guarini hasn’t released a full-length album since 2005’s Stranger Things Have Happened, but the inaugural runner-up kept busy in 2011 appearing in Broadway’s “American Idiot” as well as touring companies of “Rent” and “Chicago.” On a personal note, the crooner and his wife had a baby boy last April. And yes, since “Idol,” he’s chopped his signature “Felicity-meets-Sideshow Bob” locks. Season Two The One You Know : Clay Aiken can be seen in promos for the upcoming season of “Celebrity Apprentice,” accusing a teammate of being patronizing — all in the name of charity. Although his last few albums haven’t made a big dent in pop culture, Clay still remains the fourth-best-selling “Idol” contestant ever, right behind the holy trinity. (That’s Underwood/Clarkson/Daughtry, obviously.) The One You Shouldn’t Count Out Just Yet : Most of America hasn’t paid much attention to the Velvet Teddy Bear since “Sorry (2004),” and Ruben Studdard finally realized fans like him best when he sings about calendars. Studdard kicked off 2012 with a well-reviewed single called “June 28th (I’m Single)” about his recent divorce. The catchy throwback jam is currently climbing the urban charts, so don’t be surprised if his upcoming album moves some serious units when it lands in March. The One You Had No Idea Was On “Idol” : Ashley Hartman had a six-episode stint on the first season of “The O.C.” as Summer and Marissa’s buddy Holly. Turns out Simon Cowell’s “You should act, not sing” critique was correct! Season Three The One You Know : Seventh-placer Jennifer Hudson spent 2011 promoting her sophomore album, I Remember Me, but her turn as Weight Watchers’ official spokesperson kept her skinny body in the spotlight and earned her a book deal. The Oscar winner’s turn as Winnie Mandela has yet to be released in the U.S., but she’ll appear as a nun in the Farrelly Brothers’ “Three Stooges” big-screen update this year. Might we suggest a remake of Lily Tomlin’s “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” next? The One We Can’t Stop Rooting For : Fantasia, Fantasia, Fantasia. Your 2010 album Back to Me was full of retro nuggets like the Grammy-winning “Bittersweet” and shoulda-been-a-hit “Collard Greens and Cornbread,” but just when your music career gets back on track, your life spins out of control. Here’s hoping you can turn your personal drama into big-screen gold when you star as Mahalia Jackson in your first official feature-film role. The One You Shouldn’t Count Out Just Yet : Leah LaBelle barely made the top 12 back in 2004 — when she was a cocky 17-year-old with shaky vocals living under the shadow of a Bulgarian pop-star mother — but the 25-year-old just made headlines by getting signed to L.A. Reid’s Epic Records under the guidance of heavyweights Jermaine Dupri and Pharrell Williams. Seriously! The One You Had No Idea Was On “Idol” : Soap fans might remember Duke Buchanan on “One Life to Live” before he was killed by a tornado in 2006. The Matthew Morrison look-alike got his start on “Idol” as a semifinalist. Season Four The One You Know : In 2011, country megastar Carrie Underwood starred in a hit film, “Soul Surfer,” reached her 11th #1 single on a duet with Brad Paisley and finally surpassed Kelly Clarkson as the biggest-selling “Idol” winner ever. She’s got a new album on the way and hinted that she’ll be participating in “something special” with Steven Tyler, fueling a rumor that she’ll be taking the CMT “Crossroads” stage with the new “Idol” judge and — randomly — ’90s band Sugar Ray. The Goofy One : Constantine Maroulis finally got some respect with a Tony-nominated turn in Broadway’s “Rock of Ages” in 2009. Constantine fans might be bummed that he won’t be reprising the Drew role in the big-screen adaptation coming out in 2012, but keep your eyes peeled, because director Adam Shankman gave him a quick walk-on appearance as a producer. The One You Had No Idea Was On “Idol” : Prior to winning the sixth season of “Nashville Star,” Melissa Lawson made it to the top 75 during Hollywood Week on “Idol.” Season Five The One You Know : Daughtry’s 2011 album Break the Spell went gold in December. Chris and the band will be hitting the road for their second headlining tour this March. The One You Shouldn’t Count Out Just Yet : Katharine McPhee’s career has been full of starts and stops. But now that she’s on NBC’s high-profile midseason replacement “Smash” (including an inescapable ad campaign that claims to be “introducing” McPhee to America’s living rooms), expect to see the season five runner-up reach new heights. You saw her hobnobbing with Hollywood’s elite at the Golden Globes this past Sunday. Twelve months from now, you may just see her onstage holding a Globe of her own. The Goofy One : Taylor Hicks got some love last April when Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert invited him to appear on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” during Colbert’s cover of Rebecca Black’s “Friday,” a performance that instantly went viral and showed that Hicks is still as charmingly offbeat as you remember. The other goofy alum of season five, Kellie Pickler, is ready to show her mature side with a traditional country album, 100 Proof, out next week. On Thursday, Jim will check in with standouts from seasons six through 10. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos On The Red Carpet At The Golden Globes MTV News Extended Play: Kelly Clarkson Related Artists Katharine McPhee
Jason Aldean top prize-getter with six trophies. By Gil Kaufman Carrie Underwood at the American Country Awards Photo: Getty Images It was another lucky trip to Las Vegas for Carrie Underwood at Monday night’s American Country Awards, where the former “American Idol” winner collected a trio of trophies at the star-studded event. While Jason Aldean was the top prize-getter with six awards, including Artist of the Year, Underwood took home three, including Female Artist of the Year, and Music Video and Single of the Year by a Female Artist for “Mama’s Song.” Aldean was the night’s biggest nominee, tied with eight nods with the Zac Brown Band. The singer’s My Kinda Party swept up Album of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year and Single of the Year by a Male Artist for the album’s title track. He also scored Single and Music Video of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” a collaboration with original “Idol” winner . Underwood and Clarkson weren’t the only twang pop “Idol” alumni to take home the Fender Stratocaster guitar-shaped hardware at the show co-hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins. Last year’s winner, country crooning high schooler Scotty McCreery was named New Artist of the Year on the same day his debut album, Clear as Day went gold. The night mostly belonged to Nashville’s new school, as such up and comers as Thompson Square nabbed a trio of guitars — Single of the Year by a New Artist and by a Group and Music Video by a New Artist for “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” The Breakthrough Artist of the Year winner Chris Young also won Single of the Year for “Voices.” Grammy winners Lady Antebellum were named Group of the Year. These kinds of shows are typically another notch in Taylor Swift’s belt, but despite six nominations, she ended the night with no new hardware. Related Artists Carrie Underwood
